The Dancing with the Stars ballroom ignited with controversy as new pro Jan Ravnik, fresh off Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, seemingly clapped back at criticisms from former pros Maks Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd with a pointed Taylor Swift lyric, sparking discussions among fans about skill, casting, and the true spirit of the competition.
The world of professional ballroom dancing, particularly on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), is often a blend of dazzling performances, intense competition, and, occasionally, unexpected drama. This season, new pro Jan Ravnik found himself at the center of a heated debate after veteran pros Maks Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd openly questioned his qualifications. Ravnik, a familiar face from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, responded in true Swiftie fashion, using a powerful lyric that resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.
The Ballroom’s Sharp Tongue: Maks and Peta’s Unfiltered Criticism
The controversy began on the October 24 episode of Peta Murgatroyd’s podcast, The Penthouse with Peta, where her husband, Maks Chmerkovskiy, did not hold back his opinions on Jan Ravnik’s casting. Chmerkovskiy, a pro for 17 seasons on DWTS, declared that Ravnik has “absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing with the Stars.” He called Ravnik’s casting “absurd” and expressed strong emotional feelings on the topic, citing Ravnik’s alleged “zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership.”
Peta Murgatroyd echoed some of her husband’s sentiments, acknowledging Ravnik as a “lovely guy” and a “great dancer” but questioning his suitability for teaching ballroom. She argued that Ravnik’s connection to Taylor Swift was “the obvious reason why” he secured the gig, stating that “hiring a non-ballroom dancer to teach ballroom dancing to a celebrity as a job is outrageous.” Murgatroyd also expressed concern for Ravnik’s partner, Jen Affleck, suggesting she was at a “major disadvantage” by not being taught the fundamental basics of ballroom dance.
Ravnik’s Swiftian Retort: An Instagram Message for the Critics
In what many fans interpreted as a direct response to the criticism, Jan Ravnik took to his Instagram Stories. He shared a photo of himself and his partner, Jen Affleck, rehearsing in the DWTS ballroom. Overlaying the image was a potent lyric from Taylor Swift’s Reputation track, “Look What You Made Me Do”: “I’ll be the actress starring in your bad dreams.”
This particular song choice was not only a fitting, pointed lyric but also deeply relevant to Ravnik and Affleck’s upcoming performance. They were scheduled to dance to “Look What You Made Me Do” for the Tuesday, October 28 episode of DWTS, which happened to be Halloween Week. This timing added an extra layer of meaning, suggesting Ravnik was ready to channel the song’s defiant energy on the dance floor.
Beyond the Backlash: The Strategy Behind the Song Choice
While the Instagram post quickly went viral as a response to the “drama,” Jan Ravnik later clarified the origin of the song choice. In an interview with Glamour magazine published on October 28, Ravnik revealed that the idea for the song came from his partner, Jen Affleck. He explained that he had initially urged Affleck to hold off on using a Taylor Swift song early in the competition to avoid accusations of using Swift’s popularity for votes.
“I was like, ‘let’s prove ourselves first and then maybe we can use some of our songs that you like,’” Ravnik told Glamour. Affleck, however, was set on “Look What You Made Me Do.” Ravnik supported her choice, recognizing its power: “I think that’s for Halloween. If you watch the music video, it’s such a strong song. You can use it now for all the haters.” This insight painted a picture of a strategic, partner-driven decision that perfectly coincided with the unfolding public narrative.
A Deeper Dive into DWTS: The Life of a Pro
The criticism leveled at Jan Ravnik highlights an interesting aspect of the Dancing with the Stars ecosystem: what it truly means to be a “pro” dancer on the show. Beyond the spotlight and flashy costumes, the role demands a unique combination of performance skill, teaching aptitude, and an understanding of how to adapt traditional ballroom techniques for a celebrity partner. The show aims to find partners who can navigate this complex dynamic.
Behind the Scenes: How Pros and Celebrities Are Paired
The pairing process for DWTS is meticulous, with producers aiming for chemistry both on and off the dance floor. Former showrunner Rob Wade shared with E! News in 2015 that pairings are based on:
- Height and Build: Ensuring a physical compatibility for various dance styles.
- Personality and Compatibility: Crucial for enduring the intense training and high-pressure environment.
Pros typically have little say in who their partner will be, with the decision often kept secret until the last minute to capture genuine reactions, as pro Jenna Johnson explained on the Morning After podcast.
The Grueling Rehearsal Schedule
Once paired, the work is relentless. Pro Rylee Arnold, who competed on season 33, shared on The Lightweights Podcast that her life was “literally my whole life is devoted to it.” Pros and celebrities engage in:
- Daily four-hour rehearsals.
- Meetings with producers and creative teams.
- Additional choreography work and dance study.
- A “no-days-off” schedule leading up to show day.
The Art of the Costume
Even the visual elements are a whirlwind. Costume designer Daniela Gschwendtner told TV Insider in 2017 that the department has only five days, maximum, to create all the outfits for each week. This includes working with set and lighting designers to craft a story, sketching ideas, and then fitting and trimming custom-made garments, often just hours before showtime.
The Rewards: What DWTS Pays its Stars and Pros
While passion drives many, the financial incentives for being on DWTS are also part of the appeal. While official figures are rarely disclosed, insights from former contestants and pros shed some light on compensation.
Celebrity Earnings
According to Variety, celebrities can earn a base of $125,000 for the rehearsal period and first two weeks, with additional earnings each week they progress. Season 27 winner Bobby Bones claimed on Jason Tartick’s Trading Secrets podcast that he made close to $400,000, significantly more than the reported maximum of $295,000 at the time. His breakdown included incremental payments for each episode, reaching $50,000 per episode if lasting long enough.
Pro Dancer Compensation
Pro salaries are less clear but are also structured to reward longevity. Pro Jenna Johnson stated on The Morning After podcast that pros are “guaranteed until a certain amount of weeks” and that different contracts exist. Importantly, winning the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy does not result in a split million-dollar prize. Instead, winners receive a bonus for making it to the finale, along with bragging rights and the iconic trophy.
Conclusion: A New Era for a Ballroom Pro
The spirited debate over Jan Ravnik’s casting, fueled by veterans like Maks Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd, brought to light the evolving nature of Dancing with the Stars and the diverse backgrounds of its professional dancers. Ravnik’s clever use of a Taylor Swift lyric, in sync with his performance and his partner’s vision, showed a resilient spirit. As the show continues, Ravnik’s journey serves as a compelling narrative, reminding fans that sometimes, the most memorable performances come from those who dare to dance to their own tune, even when the critics are watching.
